We spent more than two hours with the West Point fit specialists. My Trek now has a higher stem, narrower bars and a different seat. It feels much more comfortable and “right”. The Trek 520 will not work for Lois and so she will have to wait for a Kelly Bedford custom made frame which will then be equipped with the same gear as mine. We also discussed mud guards, mirrors, computers, panniers and the pro and cons of shoes with cleats.

Next we have to start charting out our route, plan our physical preparation and decide on clothes and other equipment.

As a result of a recommendation, we arranged to try out bikes at West Point Cycles, on West 10th in Point Grey. The staff, all who seemed to be able to give complimentary advice, as required, set us up with Trek 520 cycles.

These are steel framed, to withstand the kilometres of asphalt that we will be covering from May to September, and are equipped with straightforward gears and brakes. This will be important if we run into trouble a long way from the nearest bike shop. Paul felt comfortable very quickly on his machine. Lois has yet to decide between the venerable 520 and something custom made. We will be out there again next Sunday for a fitting.